- Avast Antivirus for Mac is a “free” software program that protects your Mac from viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware. The free version doesn’t do much more than allow you to scan for malware that has already made its way into your system.
- With Avast Free Mac Security installed on our MacBook, but without any active scans running, the OpenOffice test finished in an average of 2 minutes and 23 seconds, one second longer than without.
While it is generally not recommended, you may want to exclude certain files or websites from scanning to speed up your scans or to avoid false positive detections.
You can use two types of virus scans in the Avast Premier. The first one is the Full System Scan. This is a more thorough and a more detailed scan that scans every file and folder within the selected drive deeply. The other one is the Quick Scan. This is a faster scan than the Full System, which is quite time efficient. Antivirus Mac Edition features outstanding archive support and can scan inside all of the following types of archive file: ARJ, MIME, EXEC, ZIP, RAR, TAR, GZ, BZIP2.
Add an Exception
Setting global exceptions excludes individual files, entire folders, and websites from all scans and shields at once. Scans and Shields analyze all file, application, and web activity in real-time.
To define an exception for all scans and shields:
- Open the Avast Antivirus user interface and select
☰Menu ▸ Settings. - Ensure the General tab is selected, then click Exceptions.
- Click the Add Exception button.
- Add an exception in one of the following ways:
- Type the file path, folder path, or URL into the text box, then click Add Exception.
- Click Browse, tick the box next to the file or folder you want to add to the exceptions list, then click OK.
Your selected file, folder, or URL is added to the exceptions list.
View the Exceptions List
After you specify a file, folder, or website to exclude from Avast Antivirus scans and shields, you can view and remove any item from the list individually:
- From the main Avast Antivirus user interface, go to
☰Menu ▸ Settings. - Ensure the General tab is selected, then click Exceptions.
- Ensure the boxes next to File/Folder and Website are ticked to see all exceptions in the list. The Exceptions list is visible below these filters.
- To delete an item from the list, hover the cursor over the panel for the exception you want to delete, then click the trash icon. The list will update automatically.
The complete Exceptions list is now visible.
- Avast Premium Security 19.x
- Avast Free Antivirus 19.x
- Avast Omni 1.x
- Avast Premier 19.x
- Avast Internet Security 19.x
- Avast Pro Antivirus 19.x
- Microsoft Windows 10 Home / Pro / Enterprise / Education - 32 / 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 8.1 / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 8 / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate - Service Pack 1, 32 / 64-bit
Mac OS X is considered one of the most secure operating systems. However, today’s user must protect himself not only against viruses but also against identity and money theft. Therefore, it is a good idea to take prevention. Here below is a description of Top 5 best free and most popular Mac antiviruses.
1. Avast Security for Mac
Avast software is the most popular and, for many, the best antivirus for Mac. Developed by Czech company Avast Software, it has been available in 43 languages since 1988. It is currently being used by more than 400 million people worldwide, and third-party tests done in 2016 have shown a malware detection rate of 99.5%.
Features
This antivirus is based on a central virus-scanning daemon and requires 128MB of RAM, and 750MB of disk space. It offers three protection shields and on-demand scanning.
In addition, WebRep clients are installed to Safari, Chrome and Firefox browsers in an automatic manner. However, this free antivirus for Mac provides the user with the option not to install them.
Disadvantages
On the negative side, Avast antivirus is quite difficult to uninstall, requiring a special uninstaller program that must be downloaded from the company’s website.
Conclusion
In brief, Avast free antivirus for Mac is a safe option for many users, as its vast adoption and publicized tests give the user a guarantee in performance and confidence.
3 Easy Steps to Install Avast Antivirus for Free
1. Download from the official website and save the installation file.
2. Run the installation by clicking on a downloaded file.
3. Follow the installation instructions.
2. Kaspersky Internet Security
Kaspersky antivirus for Mac is a security suite developed by Kaspersky Lab, a company made famous by its research.
Features
This software protects the user from malware, email spam, phishing, hacking attempts, data leaks and more. It also has features for secure online shopping and banking, and for privacy and child protection.
Its strong parental control has been praised. It includes protection against sexual predators, inappropriate content, games, social network sites, the disclosure of personal information, and unwanted online buys.
In addition, its webcam protection prevents criminals from gaining access to the computer’s webcam, and thus, invading the user’s privacy. This feature is enhanced through the private browsing option, which prevents websites from tracking the user’s personal information and online behavior.
Kaspersky’s Mac antivirus software also offers an attack blocker, which has the capacity to detect suspicious actions and stop them.
The app is offered with a free 30-day trial, and free automatic updates.
Conclusion
Overall, the Kaspersky Internet Security suite presents a sound option for the user, when considering the high quality of the product and the research behind it.
3. Norton Antivirus
Available since 1985, and now a product by Symantec, this classic app is a good antivirus for Mac. The software runs in the background, has daily updates and the advantage of being designed to work without slowing down the computer.
For Mac users, the app protects the computer, iPhoto pictures, and iTunes media files from viruses and spyware amongst others. It also features vulnerability protection, which prevents criminals from using weaknesses in software programs.
In addition, this Mac antivirus software monitors email and Instant Message, protecting the user against identity and money theft. On the downside, this antivirus for Mac only has free support in the English language.
Summarizing, the Norton software has the advantage of a well-known name and the backing of a good antivirus developer such as Symantec. Its daily updates and smooth background running, make it a practical choice for the sensible Mac user.
4. Avira Free Security for Mac
Avira for Mac antivirus was developed by Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG, a German company that specializes in computer security. The app runs on OS X 10.9 and above, and it is used by more than 100 million people. There is also a version for iOS available.
Mcafee Scan One File
What makes this Mac antivirus software different is its use of generic signatures that increases performance and scanning speed. Adding to it, the software works by using a set of heuristics that can prevent damage by unknown malware. However, they can also produce false alarms.
Avira also contains the ProActiv component, which detects potential threats via a set of rules, and sends the information to the company. The app has had several awards and some excellent reviews.
Summarizing, Avira presents a good alternative due to its use of generic signatures and heuristics, which can result in fast and efficient protection against criminals.
How To Scan One Files With Avast For Mac
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